Looking for ideas on galley remodel

[dLj]

Formica laminate is usually installed using contact cement on both surfaces. Evidently contact cement is not compatible with epoxy. Try coating a scrap piece of plywood with polyester resin, sand lightly, to determine if contact cement sticks to it. If it works, sand epoxied surfaces with 80 grit & apply polyester, sand lightly, reapply contact cement to laminate & to polyester surface. Proceed with installation. I have never applied Formica using epoxy, I would try a test sample to ensure the epoxy doesn’t unfavorably affect the laminate. Perhaps @dLj has used epoxy & can offer advice.

Unfortunately I do not have experience doing Formica with epoxy. You might call the help line at West Systems and see if they can answer...

I just know the epoxy will stick to the epoxy...

dj

 

[UpperPintle]

...the glue just rolls off.

Did you sand the epoxied surface before applying the contact adhesive? Cured epoxy leaves a very slick surface, making it difficult for non-epoxy substances to stick to it. Also, some epoxy will leave an amine blush (waxy film) when it cures, especially in high humidity. This film is water soluble, so you should be able to wipe it off with a damp rag. Maybe your epoxy left this layer that prevented the contact cement from spreading evenly.

The surface needs to be very clean (no dust, oil) and smooth so there is as close to 100% contact between both surfaces (formica and substrate).